Latvia launches operation Werewolf to curb illegal migration

RIGA - Operation Vilkaitis (Werewolf) began today in Latvia, during which all relevant agencies will carry out coordinated actions to curb illegal migration, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List) told members of the press today.

Last week, following a government meeting, the prime minister told reporters that significant preventive measures would be taken in August by the interior and defense ministries to minimize the flow of illegal migrants at the border, which also serves as the European Union (EU)’s external border.

The prime minister also emphasized that, to maintain national security, the government is considering all possible options for addressing the problem of illegal migration.

As Kulbergs explained, this means that closing the Paternieki border crossing on the Latvian-Belarusian border is one of the options, although "we are not confirming this at this time, since the flow of illegal migration is not at that specific border crossing point but outside of it".

When asked to what extent economic considerations influence the decision not to close the Paternieki checkpoint yet, the prime minister replied that security is the primary concern.

Interior Minister Janis Dombrava (National Alliance) also confirmed that an agreement had been reached on even closer cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the National Armed Forces (NBS) to prevent attempts of illegal border crossing.

"We are also evaluating various other options for how we can act to reduce this number of illegal migrants to zero," the minister said.

When asked to comment on the fact that the government has not yet decided on his proposal to close the Paternieki border crossing, the minister replied that suspending operations at that specific border crossing is one of the options, but at the same time, it is very positive that the views of various institutions on this matter have been taken into account.

Speaking about the circumstances under which the government might revisit this issue, the minister noted that similar decisions have been made in other countries as problems at border checkpoints have escalated. Accordingly, under such circumstances, a decision to close a border crossing could be made quickly.

The PM added to the minister’s remarks, noting that it is necessary to assess which method best achieves the goal, although, as the minister mentioned, we will never reach zero.

At the same time, officials explained that the greatest effort must be focused on the use of technical measures; therefore, information will be provided in August regarding planned activities, which will also involve the National Armed Forces.

In this regard, the minister of defense has announced that exercises will also be conducted, and allied forces will be deployed much closer to the border; and these training exercises will be used to strengthen the border, the prime minister emphasized.

The Ministry of Defense added to LETA that several military exercises are planned for August and September in Selija and Latgale. NATO allies will also participate in these exercises, but at the same time, the organization of the exercises is not directly related to combating illegal migration.

In Latvia, an enhanced border security regime is in effect along the border with Belarus until the end of the year, implemented in response to increased pressure from illegal migration originating in Belarus.